Dressed for success

An image consultant who confesses that she has an obsession with confident women will be the guest speaker at Hume City Council’s Women in Front Networking Lunch.

Colette Werden will address more than 100 local business identities on how image can influence professional success, on Friday 7 August 2015 at Meadowbank Receptions, 1 Eldon Street, Campbellfield.

The style specialist has appeared on Network 10’s The Circle and Foxtel’s lifestyle programs, and is well-known for providing advice that helps professional women to enhance their careers.

Hume Mayor, Councillor Adem Atmaca, said Colette would offer valuable insights to businesswomen from across the community.

“Colette understands that first impressions count, and a good image can attract a customer who is loyal for years and years,” Cr Atmaca said.

“The image expert will reveal the 11 decisions that people make about you in just seven seconds, and her insight is invaluable for businesswomen who want to make every moment count.

“Company representatives who display a solid image often earn the confidence of other people, and the Women in Front Networking Lunch will help business leaders to develop and maintain a professional brand.

“We’ve prepared a great afternoon which will inspire women to continue to achieve outstanding success in Hume.”

The lunch will be compered by Naked Ambition’s Fiona Triaca, who is an expert on the power of social media and personal branding.

Cr Atmaca said the event would deliver a positive boost to women involved in business.

“The lunch is tailored to people who work or manage micro, small and medium-sized businesses, and can assist sole traders as well as women who manage a number of staff,” he said.

“It can be hard for people in small business to meet others who share the same challenges, so this lunch will enable business representatives to spend time together and offer each other advice.

“It’s the fifth year we’ve run the Women in Front Networking Lunch and it continues to be a practical way to share information about how to grow a business.”

Hume’s Women in Front Networking Lunch is one of 350 events that will take place in August as part of the Small Business Festival Victoria.

The festival recognises the power of small business, a sector that incorporates 96 per cent of all Victorian businesses and employs more than 1.2 million people across the state.

Cr Atmaca said Hume was home to many female entrepreneurs.

“Women lead businesses right throughout Hume and they motivate many others who would like to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

“We want to help women to develop their businesses because entities that thrive improve the economy and create jobs.”

Hume City Council offers a range of support for local businesses, including training and development workshops, and help for companies that wish to employ people who live in the community.